Shingle Roof Replacement: All you Need to Know

Most homeowners pay little attention to the condition of their roofs and become concerned only when they start to leak. Roofs not only protect us from the elements but also keeps the house safe. As a homeowner in Florida, you should weigh your options when selecting the material for roofing. Shingles roofs are most common in Florida as they are inexpensive and lend attractive looks to the house. They also provide good protection if installed properly by a licensed roof contractor. Here is what you need to know about shingles roof when you have decided to replace your roof.
Hire services of a specialist roofing contractor
Most important step when replacing your shingles roof is to hire services of a reliable and experienced expert. Do as much research as you can to make sure that you find someone who is highly skilled and has long experience of installing shingles roof in your area. Installing a new roof is a costly exercise and you must make sure that the roof contractor you choose is licensed and fully insured.
When should you go in for a replacement
There are many tell-tale signs of damage to the roof that include dark spots on the ceiling, missing or cracked shingles, rot in the ply boards, and so on. Though it is possible to repair the existing roof, it is better to go in for a replacement if your shingles roof has completed more than 12 years. If you waste time, repairs could become very costly and very time consuming. It’s better to have a reliable roofing contractor pay visit to your house for an inspection to know if replacement is due.
Are there different types of shingles roofs?

Roofing: Not as Simple as You May Think

To the average homeowner, roofing is just as simple as many other home improvement projects. After all, all you have to do is take off the old one and put on the new one, right? While that may be the case with paint, roofing is far more complex than most people realize. Hence the need for licensed, professional roofers. To give you a little insight into the intricacies of roofing, let’s take a closer look at the process itself.

Step One: Create the Support Deck

The first thing to do when building a roof is to create a sturdy and solid support that. Without the right support deck, the roofing structure can fall apart during and after construction, making the work surface too difficult to work with. Once the support deck is constructed, it is important to inspect it to make sure there are no signs of deterioration, writing, or loose nails anywhere. If these are discovered, the necessary repairs must be made before work can continue.

Step Two: Apply the Felt Underlayment

Felt underlayment is then applied to the work surface to create a flat, even surface Ruth. If the roof already exists making sure that the felt underlayment is intact is part of the repair process. Without the solid underlayment, the shingles will not be able to adhere to the roof surface.

Step Three: Metal Work

Extensive metalwork may be required to install drip edge is in gutters around the perimeter of the roof to ensure the end result is a starting even roof. Metalwork will also reduce the risk of leaks, dents, and cracks as a result of environmental effects and pressure on the roof.

Is Your Roof Leaking? Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

If you are starting to hear a dripping sound, or suddenly notice a brown spot on your ceiling, that is a good indication that you have a roof leak. If finances are tight, it can be easy to say you’ll deal with it later, but the longer you put it off, the more serious the damage, and therefore, the resulting repair bill will be. If it goes too long, then you could be looking at an entire roof replacement, on top of fixing whatever interior damage the leak caused. Here’s a guide to help you determine what to look for, and what signs indicate it’s too late.

Signs to Watch For

Look for the following signs in your home to help you identify leaks or their potential to develop:

Brown spots on the ceiling
Water stains on the underside of the roofing deck or around the chimney
Black stains on the roofing deck—this may be an indication of mold or mildew
Bits and pieces of shingle in the yard
Rust stains on the furnace flue
Peeling paint or rotted wood around skylights
Roof granules in the downspouts

If you notice these in your home, make sure you employ proper safety techniques, first. Inspect the attic, and go outside to inspect the roof at ground level for signs of damage.

Is it Too Late?

If your roof is flat, it is most likely to leak because the lack of pitch, but a flat roof should last anywhere between eight and 12 years. The more layers you have, the longer it will last. While a multi-layer roof will add the overall installation cost, you may be able to get an additional seven to eight years on the life of your roof.

How To Choose Your Roofer

When it comes to roof repair or replacement, choosing the right company from the get-go can save a lot of money and stress in the long run. It may be tempting to go with a roofer based on price alone, but this could end up costing you.

A legitimate reason company should be willing and able to provide:

Local references from previous customers
A business license
Proof of insurance
Written manufacturer warranties

When choosing a roofer for your project you need to be sure you are dealing with only licensed and insured contractors. Verify the track record of anyone you are considering hiring. Ask for a list of recent customers and call them. If they are not willing to provide references, move onto another company.

Start by getting recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers or insurance agents or claims adjusters. Be sure to check with your local Better Business Bureau and Home Builders Association to see if any complaints have been lodged against any contractor you are considering.

Do not be in any hurry to sign a contract with any roofer. Quality roofing companies will not push you to make a decision, and will understand and respect the fact that you are shopping around.

Before allowing any company to provide you with an estimate, make sure there is no charge for this service. Be sure to get a written estimate that includes any promises the contractor has made to you verbally. Take the time to go over the contract and ask for explanations of everything, before you sign it. If possible, have someone who is knowledgeable, or an attorney review the contract to be sure everything is legally solid before you sign it yourself. Make sure you have a [...]